Power-assisted ski track setter system

ABSTRACT

A power-assisted ski track setter including a user control assembly, a track cutter assembly, and a drive assembly configured to operably engage the track cutter assembly is provided. The user control assembly is configured to control the direction of the power-assisted ski track setter. The track cutter assembly comprises a frame, a set of wheels operably coupled to the frame, a set of axles operably coupled to the wheels, and a set of tracks encircling the set of wheels. The set of wheels rotatably supports the frame. The drive assembly is configured to be mounted adjacent to the frame. The drive assembly comprises a motor configured to transmit power to the track cutter assembly, a battery electrically connected to the motor, and a drive gear operably coupled to the motor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/221,696, filed Apr. 2, 2021, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology is related to a mechanical device to set skitracks in snow, and more particularly, to ski track setting devices thatare assisted by a battery-powered assembly.

BACKGROUND

Setting ski tracks in snow using conventional trail groomers typicallyinvolves towing a track setting device behind a vehicle, such as atractor, an ATV, or a snowmobile. The track setting device (e.g., skitrack setter) is designed to create new tracks in the snow and/or tolevel and smooth old tracks that have been degraded, such as by repeateduse and environmental factors including wind and temperaturefluctuations. Such ski track setters are typically very expensive forpersonal use, and are generally only used to groom snow located onpublic parklands and/or at resorts.

For personal use such as for grooming snow on forest trails, ruralroads, and private rural properties, a user may use a self-assembled skitrack setter that does not involve assistance from a vehicle (e.g.,tractor, ATV, or snowmobile). The user may self-assemble the ski tracksetter from two slats of wood and use stones, bricks, etc., to weighdown the wood slats during operation. In operation, the user pulls theski track setter by means of a rope or harness while the user walks orskis in front of the ski track setter. Operating such self-assembled skitrack setters to groom the snow, however, can be labor-intensive andslow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on clearlyillustrating the principles of the present technology.

FIG. 1A is a top front left isometric view of a power-assisted ski tracksetter configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 1B is a top front left isometric view of the power-assisted skitrack setter of FIG. 1A operated by a user.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a front view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.1A.

FIG. 1E is a left side view of the power-assisted ski track setter ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top isometric view of a user control assembly of thepower-assisted ski track setter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged side view of an angle adjuster of the usercontrol assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a drive assembly of thepower-assisted ski track setter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of a track cutter assembly of thepower-assisted ski track setter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 3A operably coupledto the track cutter assembly of FIG. 4A and the track cutter assembly ofFIG. 4A further including a tension adjuster.

FIG. 5A is a left side view of a power-assisted ski track setterconfigured in accordance with another embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.5A.

FIG. 5C is a side view of a drive assembly of the power-assisted skitrack setter of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a front isometric view of a track cutter assembly of thepower-assisted ski track setter of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 5C operably coupledto the track cutter assembly of FIG. 5D.

FIG. 6A is a top front left isometric view of a power-assisted ski tracksetter configured in accordance with still another embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6D is a partial bottom front isometric view of a drive assembly anda track cutter assembly of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.6A.

FIG. 7A is a top front left isometric view of a power-assisted ski tracksetter configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.7A.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the power-assisted ski track setter of FIG.7A.

FIG. 7D is a partial top left front isometric view of a drive assemblyand a track cutter assembly of the power-assisted ski track setter ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a power-assisted ski track settersystem configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed generally to power-assisted ski tracksetters. Embodiments of the power-assisted ski track setters disclosedherein include a user control assembly, a drive assembly, and a trackcutter assembly. The track cutter assembly is configured to receivepower from the drive assembly during operation to groom and set skitracks in the snow. A user can control the speed and/or direction of thepower-assisted ski track setter via the user control assembly while thedrive assembly provides power to propel the track cutter assemblyforward. In operation, the user can be on skis behind the power-assistedski track setter and activate the power-assisted ski track setter via athrottle controller of the user control assembly. The power-assisted skitrack setter may pull the user forward while the user controls thedirection of the power-assisted ski track setter via a handlebar of theuser control assembly. The power-assisted ski track setters disclosedherein are expected to provide a low-cost and highly efficient devicefor setting ski tracks without the use of an additional/separate vehicle(e.g., tractor, ATV, or snowmobile), while significantly minimizing thelabor needed to set such tracks.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.1A-8 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of thepresent technology. In other instances, well-known structures, systems,materials, and/or operations often associated with ski track setters,power-assisted systems, and associated components, electric motors,electric battery systems, etc., are not shown or described in detail inthe following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thedescription of the various embodiments of the technology. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the presenttechnology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forthherein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. Theterminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonablemanner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain examples of embodiments of the technology.Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, anyterminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will beovertly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Descriptionsection.

Embodiments of Power-Assisted Ski Track Setters

FIG. 1A is a top front left isometric view of a power-assisted ski tracksetter (“ski track setter 100”) configured in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. FIG. 1B is a top front leftisometric view of the ski track setter 100 operated by a user. FIG. 1Cis a top view, FIG. 1D is a front view, and FIG. 1E is a left side viewof the ski track setter 100. Referring to FIGS. 1A-E together, the skitrack setter 100 includes a user control assembly 200, a drive assembly300, and a track cutter assembly 400. The user control assembly 200 isconfigured to receive user control inputs and is operably coupled to thedrive assembly 300. The drive assembly 300 is configured to operablyengage the track cutter assembly 400. During operation, for example, thedrive assembly 300 is configured to transmit power to the track cutterassembly 400 to drive the ski track setter 100.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a user U can operate the ski track setter 100 viathe user control assembly 200 and provide input to control the directionof the ski track setter 100 during operation. In some embodiments, forexample, the ski track setter 100 is configured to be operated by theuser U while the user U is positioned behind the ski track setter 100.As shown in FIG. 1B, for example, the user U is wearing a set of skis Sand is positioned to selectively guide the ski track setter 100 duringoperation to groom and set ski tracks in snow (not shown). In otherembodiments, the ski track setter 100 is configured to be operated bythe user U with the user U positioned in front of or to the side of theski track setter 100. In one embodiment, for example, the ski tracksetter 100 can push the user U forward during operation.

The user control assembly 200 is also configured to receive input (e.g.,from the user U) and provide such input to the drive assembly 300 withrespect to an amount of power for the drive assembly 300 to transmit tothe track cutter assembly 400. For example, the user U can indicate tothe user control assembly 200 (e.g., via a throttle—described in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B) the amount of power totransmit to the track cutter assembly 400. The drive assembly 300 mayalso assist the user U operating the ski track setter 100 by providing aportion of the power required to propel the ski track setter 100, or mayprovide enough power to fully propel the ski track setter 100 withoutuser contribution (i.e., without the user pushing or otherwise manuallypropelling the ski track setter 100). In some embodiments, the driveassembly 300 may provide a portion of the power to propel the user U, ormay provide enough power to fully propel the user U.

Referring to FIG. 1E, the drive assembly 300 may be mounted to orintegrated into the track cutter assembly 400. The drive assembly 300 islocated to interface with the track cutter assembly 400. For example,the drive assembly 300 is located above the track cutter assembly 400.In some embodiments, for example, the drive assembly 300 is attached tothe track cutter assembly 400 using a quick-connect/disconnect system,such that the drive assembly 300 can be installed or removed quickly andwithout the use of tools. In other embodiments, the drive assembly 300is integrated into the track cutter assembly 400 via fasteners (e.g.,screws). In still other embodiments, the drive assembly 300 may have adifferent configuration/arrangement relative to the track cutterassembly 400.

FIG. 2A is a top isometric view of the user control assembly 200 of theski track setter 100 (FIG. 1A). For purposes of illustration andclarity, the user control assembly 200 is shown alone without any of theother associated components of the ski track setter 100. Referring toFIG. 2A, the user control assembly 200 includes a throttle controller202, a power usage display 204, and a handlebar assembly 206. Thehandlebar assembly 206 includes a handlebar 208 coupled to an elongateadjustment assembly 210. The elongate adjustment assembly 210 caninclude a first telescoping member 210 a and a second telescoping member210 b. The elongate adjustment assembly 210 is adjustable in length L.The length L can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 feet, or any suitable length. Forexample, the length L can be adjusted to suit the user's height and/orthe user's ski length and/or ski stride length. The handlebar 208 andthe elongate adjustment assembly 210 may be formed from aluminum,magnesium, or other suitable metal that is cast, machined, forged, etc.

In some embodiments, the elongate adjustment assembly 210 includes angleadjusters 212 a, b (FIG. 2B). The angle adjuster 212 is configured toadjust an angle A of the elongate adjustment assembly 210 relative tothe drive assembly 300 and the track cutter assembly 400 of the skitrack setter 100 (FIG. 1A). The angle adjuster 212 allows the user toadjust the angle A of the elongate adjustment assembly 210 to suit theuser's preference (e.g., the user's height).

The throttle controller 202 is in electrical communication with thedrive assembly 300 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). As described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 3A, for example, the throttle controller202 directs electrical power from a battery 306 to a motor 302 of thedrive assembly 300 during operation. The throttle controller 202 isconfigured to receive a signal from the user (e.g., operated by theuser). In operation, the user can selectively vary the throttle positionto send a signal to the throttle controller 202 communicating how muchpower-assist is desired. The throttle controller 202 can be a twist type(motorcycle-style control), a lever (snowmobile-style control), abutton, a dial, or any other suitable input device for motor speedcontrol. The throttle controller 202 can communicate with the driveassembly 300 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In someembodiments, for example, the throttle controller 202 communicates withthe drive assembly 300 via a wireless connection and further includes adead man switch (not shown). The drive assembly 300 (FIG. 3A) can beconfigured to apply a proportional level of power-assist based on thesignal received from the user. The power usage display 204 can beconfigured to display an energy (e.g., battery power) consumption and/orremaining energy. In some embodiments, the power usage display 204 canbe configured to display a speed at which the ski track setter 100 ismoving. The power usage display 204 is an optional feature that may notbe included in some embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2A together, the handlebar assembly 206 isconfigured to provide rotational power to at least one wheel of thetrack cutter assembly 400. For example, the user U can control thedirection of the ski track setter 100 via the handlebar assembly 206. Insome embodiments, the handlebar assembly 206 is configured to providerotational power to at least one front wheel of the track cutterassembly 400. In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly 206 isconfigured to provide rotational power to at least one rear wheel of thetrack cutter assembly 400. In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly206 is configured to provide rotational power to all front wheels and/orall rear wheels of the track cutter assembly 400.

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view and FIG. 3B is a side view of thedrive assembly 300 configured in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. For purposes of illustration and clarity, variousstructural portions of the drive assembly 300 and track cutter assembly400 are shown in broken lines. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B together,the drive assembly 300 includes a drive unit 301 including the motor 302configured to transmit power to the track cutter assembly 400, a drivegear 304 operably coupled to the motor 302, the battery 306 inelectrical communication with the motor 302, a reduction pulley 307configured to operably engage the track cutter assembly 400, and anelectronic speed controller 338 in electrical communication with thethrottle controller 202. The battery 306 can transmit power to the motor302, which is configured to transfer power to the drive gear 304 tooperably engage the reduction pulley 307. In turn, the drive gear 304operably engaging the reduction pulley 307 rotatably engages the trackcutter assembly 400 to drive the ski track setter 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B)during operation. The reduction pulley 307 can include, but is notlimited to, a flat belt pulley, a V belt pulley, a timing pulley, and/ora round belt pulley.

The electronic speed controller 338 is configured to control the speedof the ski track setter 100. For example, the electronic speedcontroller 338 receives a signal from the throttle controller 202 and,based on the received signal, controls the amount of power transmittedto the motor 302 from the battery 306. In some embodiments, theelectronic speed controller 338 can control the amount of voltagesupplied to the motor 302 from the battery 306 via a potentiometer orpulse width modulation.

The motor 302 of the drive assembly 300 can include a stepper motor,permanent magnet motor, wheel hub motor, AC induction motor, DC motor,or other suitable type of electric motor. The motor 302 may have poweroutput, for example, in the range of 50 Watts (W) to 2000 W, or greaterthan 2000 W. In some embodiments, the motor 302 can include aluminumwindings and stacked magnets (e.g., a Halbach array). In someembodiments, the motor 302 can have Hall sensors for position sensingand speed control. The motor 302 may be an inrunner-type motor or anoutrunner-type motor. In other embodiments, however, the motor 302 canhave different features and/or a different configuration.

The drive gear 304 of the drive assembly 300 can include helical gears,spur gears, planetary, hypoid, spiral bevel, face, worm, and/or othersuitable gear configurations. The gear type may be selected, forexample, based on drive ratio, reduced gear noise, durability, strength,etc. The drive gear 304 can be formed from, for example, nylon,stainless steel, aluminum (e.g., 2024, 7075, etc.), Polyether etherketone (PEEK), carbon steel, and/or other suitable materials. Dependingon the material, the gears can receive various heat treatments and/orinclude hardened surface coatings (carbon, titanium nitride, anodizing,TEFLON® infusion, etc.), and can be formed by machining, forging, diecasting, metal injection molding, etc. In still further embodiments, thedrive gear 304 may be composed of different materials and/or have adifferent arrangement.

The battery 306 of the drive assembly 300 may be lithium-ion (Li-ion),nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), or other suitable battery technologies. Inone embodiment, for example, the battery 306 may have an energy capacityin a range from 50 Watt-hours (Wh) to 2000 Wh or greater, and between20V and 60V by use of a DC/DC converter. In other embodiments, however,the battery 306 may have different features and/or different energycapacities. The battery 306 can include a suitable connection interfaceto perform powering of peripheral devices, such as charging a mobilephone (with micro USB, USB-C, etc.), powering a computer, light, orother device, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the battery 306 isrechargeable. In some embodiments, the ski track setter 100 includes awiring harness to provide wire routing to each of the electricalcomponents, and/or can include components configured for wirelesscommunication protocols (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, ANT™, radio-frequencysignals, etc.) for low power communications.

In some embodiments, the drive assembly 300 further includes a mountingframe 308 positioned to be coupled to the track cutter assembly 400(FIG. 1E). In the illustrated embodiments, for example, the drive unit301 is mounted above the track cutter assembly 400 via the mountingframe 308. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 300 further includesquick-connect couplings (not illustrated) and quick-connect assemblies(not illustrated) securing the drive unit 301 to the mounting frame 308through the quick-connect couplings. In other embodiments, the driveunit 301 is integrated into the track cutter assembly 400 via themounting frame 308. For example, the mounting frame 308 of the driveunit 301 can be fixably attached/secured to the track cutter assembly400 with fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), welded, or bonded withan adhesive. The mounting frame 308 may be formed from aluminum, steel,magnesium, other suitable metal, high-strength plastic, or othersuitable plastic that is cast, machined, rolled, forged, etc.

In some embodiments, the drive assembly 300 includes a housing 310configured to mount and cover various components of the drive unit 301.In some embodiments, the housing 310 is configured to receive andsupport additional components, such as one or more additional batteries.In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 310 (e.g., protectivecovering) is configured to encase the drive unit 301, including themotor 302, drive gear 304, battery 306, and/or other components of thedrive assembly 300. The housing 310 can help reduce the likelihood ofdamage or wear from contamination ingress, e.g., dirt, water, snow, etc.In other embodiments, the housing 310 can cover only a portion of thedrive unit 301.

The housing 310 can be releasably attached to the drive unit 301 withfasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing310 may be formed from aluminum, magnesium, other suitable metal that iscast, machined, forged, stamped, or otherwise formed to shape,polycarbonate (PC), nylon, etc., and may include strengthening materialsuch as fiberglass or carbon fiber.

FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of the track cutter assembly 400configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Forpurposes of illustration and clarity in FIG. 4A, only the track cutterassembly 400 is shown in FIG. 4A and the other portions of the ski tracksetter 100 have been omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the trackcutter assembly 400 includes two front wheels 402 a, b and two rearwheels 404 a, b coupled to a frame 406 (rear wheel 404 b is obscured inFIG. 4A). The front wheels 402 a, b rotatably engage the rear wheels 404a, b via tracks 410 a, b. The track 410 a encircles the front wheel 402a and the rear wheel 404 a, and the track 410 b encircles the frontwheel 402 b and the rear wheel 404 b. The tracks 410 a, b can becomposed of rubber or other suitable track materials. Each wheel 402 a,b and 404 a, b can have a diameter, for example, in the range of 8 to 20inches. In one particular embodiment, for example, each wheel 402 a, band 404 a, b can have a diameter, for example, of 10 inches. In otherembodiments, however, the wheels 402 a, b and 404 a, b can have othersuitable diameters (e.g., less than 8 inches, greater than 20 inches).Each wheel 402 a, b and 404 a, b can have a width, for example, of 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6 inches, or any suitable width. The frame 406 includes a firstframe member 406 a coupled to a second frame member 406 b positionedlaterally adjacent to the first frame member 406 a. The front wheel 402a and the rear wheel 404 a are carried by the first frame member 406 a,and the front wheel 402 b and the rear wheel 404 b are carried by thesecond frame member 406 b. The distance between the first frame member406 a and the second frame member 406 b can include 2, 4, 6, 8 inches,or any suitable distance. The distance between the front wheels 402 a, band the rear wheels 404 a, b can be 2, 4, 6, 8 inches, or any suitabledistance. In some embodiments, the first frame member 406 a is coupledto the second frame member 406 b via axles 408 a, b. In someembodiments, the first frame member 406 a is attached to the secondframe member 406 b via fasteners (e.g., screws). Although two frontwheels 402 a, b and two rear wheels 404 a, b are illustrated in FIG. 4A,the track cutter assembly 400 can include any suitable number of wheelson each side of the frame 406.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the drive unit 301 may be mounted to or integratedinto the frame 406 or carried by another suitable component of the skitrack setter 100. For example, the mounting frame 308 is attached to theframe 406. In some embodiments, the first frame member 406 a is coupledto the second frame member 406 b via attachment to the mounting frame308. The drive unit 301 can be attached to any suitable portion of theframe 406 and extend along any front and/or rear portion of the frame406. The drive unit 301 is located such that the drive gear 304 isoperably coupled to at least one of the front wheels 402 a, b, rearwheels 404 a, b, front axle 408 a, rear axle 408 b, and tracks 410 a, b.In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 301 is attached to the topportion of the frame 406 and extends from a front portion to a rearportion of the frame 406. Any suitable fastener or fastening scheme canbe used to attach the components of the drive unit 301 to the frame 406.

The drive unit 301 is configured to transmit power (e.g., rotationalpower) to the track cutter assembly 400 by operably engaging the drivegear 304 with at least one of the front wheels 402 a, b and rear wheels404 a, b during operation. For example, the motor 302 is configured toreceive power from the battery 306, and the powered motor 302 transferspower to the drive gear 304 to operably engage the reduction pulley 307,which is operably coupled to at least one of the front and rear axles408 a, b. In turn, the reduction pulley 307 engaged with at least one ofthe front and rear axles 408 a, b rotates at least one of the frontwheels 402 a, b and rear wheels 404 a, b (e.g., a driven wheel).Rotating the driven wheel rotatably powers the other wheels via thefront and rear axles 408 a, b and/or the tracks 410 a, b.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B together, the drive unit 301 providesrotational power to the front wheel 402 a. The reduction pulley 307operably engages with the front wheel 402 a via the front axle 408 a.The front axle 408 a rotatably couples the front wheel 402 a to thefront wheel 402 b. For example, rotating the front wheel 402 a in turnrotates the front wheel 402 b via the front axle 408 a during operation.The front wheel 402 a is operably coupled to the rear wheel 404 a viathe track 410 a, and the front wheel 402 b is operably coupled to therear wheel 404 b via the track 410 b. Rotating the front wheels 402 a, bin turn rotates the rear wheels 404 a, b, which provides rotationalpower to the tracks 410 a, b. The tracks 410 a, b include ridges. Theridges can be perpendicular to the line of forward motion and configuredto grip snow as the power-assisted ski track setter is in operation.

In some embodiments, the drive unit 301 provides rotational power to atleast one of the rear wheels 404 a, b. For example, the reduction pulley307 can be configured to operably engage with the rear wheel 404 a viathe rear axle 408 b. The rear axle 408 b rotatably couples the rearwheel 404 a to the rear wheel 404 b. For example, rotating the rearwheel 404 a in turn rotates the rear wheel 404 b via the rear axle 408b. The rear wheels 404 a, b rotatably engage the front wheels 402 a, bvia the tracks 410 a, b. For example, rotating the rear wheels 404 a, bin turn rotates the front wheels 402 a, b.

In some embodiments, the drive unit 301 can provide rotational power toat least one of the front wheels 402 a, b and at least one of the rearwheels 404 a, b. In some embodiments, the drive unit 301 drives one ormore front wheels 402 a, b and one or more rear wheels 404 a, bsimultaneously. In some embodiments, the drive unit 301 drives one ormore front wheels 402 a, b and one or more rear wheels 404 a, bindependently. In some embodiments, the drive unit 301 drives one ormore front wheels 402 a, b with greater power than one or more rearwheels 404 a, b. In other embodiments, the drive unit 301 drives one ormore rear wheels 404 a, b with greater power than one or more frontwheels 402 a, b.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the track cutter assembly 400 can further includea tension adjuster 412. The tension adjuster 412 is configured to adjustthe tension on the tracks 410 a, b. The tension adjuster 412 can bepositioned coaxially adjacent to the front axle 408 a and rear wheels404 a, b. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension adjuster 412 ispositioned coaxially adjacent to the front axle 408 a. The tensionadjuster 412 can include two screws (not illustrated). In theillustrated embodiment, the front axle 408 a includes two tapped holes(not illustrated), each configured to receive one of the two screws. Oneof the two tapped holes on the front axle 408 a is located adjacent tothe first frame member 406 a (FIG. 4A), and the second one of the twotapped holes is located adjacent to the second frame member 406 b (FIG.4A). The front axle 408 a can be mounted in a slot of the frame 406configured to allow the front axle 408 a to move in a forward andbackward direction. Turning the tension adjuster 412 turns the screws(e.g., clockwise), which in turn pulls the front axle 408 a forward andtightens the tracks 410 a, b. Likewise, turning the tension adjuster 412in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) in turn loosens thetracks 410 a, b. Although FIG. 4B illustrates the tension adjuster 412positioned coaxially adjacent to the front axle 408 a, the tensionadjuster 412 can be positioned coaxially adjacent to the rear axle 408b, and the rear axle 408 b can be configured to receive the screws suchthat turning the tension adjuster 412 pulls the rear axle 408 b backwardto tighten the tracks 410 a, b.

FIG. 5A is a left side view and FIG. 5B is a front view of apower-assisted ski track setter 500 (“ski track setter 500”) configuredin accordance with further embodiments of the present technology.Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B together, the ski track setter 500 includesa user control assembly 510, a drive assembly 530, and a track cutterassembly 550. The user control assembly 510 and track cutter assembly550 can be generally similar to or the same as the user control assembly200 and track cutter assembly 400, respectively, as described withrespect to FIGS. 1A-4B.

The drive assembly 530 can be generally similar to the drive assembly300 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4B, except that the driveassembly 530 includes a drive unit 531 with several components/featuresdifferent from the drive unit 301 described above. FIG. 5C, for example,is a side view of the drive assembly 530. The drive unit 531 includes amotor 532, a drive sprocket 534, a battery 536, and an electronic speedcontroller 538. The motor 532 can be generally similar to or the same asthe motor 302 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4B. The battery 536can be generally similar to or the same as the battery 306 as describedwith respect to FIGS. 1A-4B. The electronic speed controller 538 can begenerally similar to or the same as the electronic speed controller 338as described with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. The drive sprocket 534 canbe formed from nylon, stainless steel, aluminum (e.g., 2024, 7075,etc.), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), carbon steel, and/or othersuitable materials. Depending on the material, the gears can receivevarious heat treatments and/or include hardened surface coatings(carbon, titanium nitride, anodizing, TEFLON® infusion, etc.), and canbe formed by machining, forging, die casting, metal injection molding,etc. Referring back to FIG. 5B, although the ski track setter 500includes the drive assembly 530 mounted over a right portion of thetrack cutter assembly 550, in other embodiments the drive assembly 530can extend over a right and left portion of the track cutter assembly550.

FIG. 5D is a front isometric view of the track cutter assembly 550. Thetrack cutter assembly 550 includes first wheels 552 a, b, second wheels554 a, b, a front axle 556 a which operably couples the first wheel 552a with the second wheel 554 a, a rear axle 556 b which operably couplesthe first wheel 552 b with the second wheel 554 b, a first track 558 awhich encircles the first wheels 552 a, b, and a second track 558 bwhich encircles the second wheels 554 a, b.

FIG. 5E is a side view of the drive assembly 530 operably coupled to thetrack cutter assembly 550. Similar to operation of the ski track setter100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B, the battery 536 ofthe ski track setter 500 is configured to transmit power to the motor532, which is configured to transfer power to the drive sprocket 534. Inturn, the powered drive sprocket 534 rotatably engages the track cutterassembly 550 during operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit 531is configured to transmit power to the track cutter assembly 550 byoperably engaging the drive sprocket 534 with at least one of the firsttrack 558 a and second track 558 b during operation. For example, themotor 532 is configured to receive power from the battery 536. Thepowered motor 532 transfers the power to the drive sprocket 534, whichis operably coupled to at least one of the first track 558 a and thesecond track 558 b. Rotating the first track 558 a and/or the secondtrack 558 b rotatably powers the respective first wheels 552 a, b and/orsecond wheels 554 a, b.

In some embodiments, the drive sprocket 534 is configured to operablyengage with the first track 558 a. The drive sprocket 534, for example,includes teeth that mesh with ridges and/or holes on the first track 558a. The first track 558 a is rotatably coupled to the first wheels 552 a,b, which are operably coupled to the second wheels 554 a, b via axles556 a, b. Rotating the drive sprocket 534 rotates the first track 558 a,which in turn rotates the first wheels 552 a, b. The first wheels 552 a,b rotate the second wheels 554 a, b via the axles 556 a, b, which inturn rotates the second track 558 b. Although FIGS. 5B and 5E illustratethe drive sprocket 534 operably engaging with the first track 558 a toprovide rotational power to the first wheels 552 a, b, the drivesprocket 534 can operably engage with the second track 558 b to providerotational power to the second wheels 554 a, b. Although FIGS. 5B and 5Eillustrate the drive unit 531 including one drive sprocket, the driveunit 531 can include one or more drive sprockets. For example, the driveunit 531 can include two drive sprockets, such that the motor providesrotational power to both drive sprockets and each drive sprocketoperably engages with each track.

In some embodiments, the drive unit 531 can drive one or both tracks 556a, b simultaneously. In some embodiments, the drive unit 531 drives oneor both tracks 556 a, b independently. In some embodiments, the driveunit 531 drives the first track 558 a with greater power than the secondtrack 558 b. In other embodiments, the drive unit 531 drives the secondtrack 558 b with greater power than the first track 558 a.

The drive sprocket 534 can be operably coupled to at least one of tworight wheels 552 a, b and left wheels 554 a, b of the track cutterassembly 550. For example, the drive sprocket 543 can be operablycoupled to the right wheel 552 a, the right wheel 552 b, or both rightwheels 552 a, b. The right wheels 552 a, b are operably coupled to theleft wheels 554 a, b via axles 556 a, b. For example, the right wheel552 a is operably coupled to the left wheel 554 a via the axle 556 a,and the right wheel 552 b is operably coupled to the left wheel 554 bvia the axle 556 b. In operation, rotating the right wheels 552 a, b bythe drive sprocket 534 rotates the corresponding left wheels 554 a, b.

FIG. 6A is a top front left isometric view, FIG. 6B is a front view,FIG. 6C is a side view, and FIG. 6D is a partial bottom front isometricview of a power-assisted ski track setter (“ski track setter 600”)configured in accordance with still another embodiment of the presenttechnology. Referring to FIGS. 6A-D together, the ski track setter 600comprises a user control assembly 610, a drive assembly 630, and a trackcutter assembly 650. The user control assembly 610 can be generallysimilar to or the same as the user control assembly 200 as describedwith respect to FIGS. 1A-4B, and the drive assembly 630 can be generallysimilar to or the same as the drive assemblies 300 and 530 as describedwith respect to FIGS. 1A-4B and FIGS. 5A-E, respectively. Further, itwill be appreciated that although FIGS. 6A-D illustrate the driveassembly 630 mounted laterally adjacent to the track cutter assembly650, in other embodiments the drive assembly 630 can be mounted at anysuitable position adjacent to the track cutter assembly 650. In someembodiments, for example, the drive assembly 630 can be mounted abovethe track cutter assembly 650.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-D together, the track cutter assembly 650 can begenerally similar to the track cutter assembly 300 as described withrespect to FIGS. 1A-4B, except that the track cutter assembly 650includes a first wheel 652 a operably coupled to a second wheel 652 bvia an axle 654. The track cutter assembly 650 further includes a firsttrack 656 a encircling the first wheel 652 a and a second track 656 bencircling the second wheel 652 b. The tracks 656 a, b can be composedof rubber or other suitable track materials. Each wheel 652 a, b canhave a diameter, for example, in the range of 8 to 20 inches, or othersuitable diameters. In one particular embodiment, for example, eachwheel 652 a, b has a diameter of 10 inches. In other embodiments,however, the wheels 652 a, b can have different diameters (e.g., lessthan 8 inches, greater than 20 inches). Each wheel 652 a, b can have awidth, for example, of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 inches, or any suitable width.In some embodiments, the drive assembly 630 is generally similar to thedrive assembly 300 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4B and includesa reduction pulley (not illustrated) to operably engage the first wheel652 a and/or the second wheel 652 b. For example, the reduction pulleyoperably engages the first wheel 652 a, which in turn rotatably engagesthe second wheel 652 b via the axle 654 during operation. In operation,engaging the first wheel 652 a rotatably engages the first track 656 a,and engaging the second wheel 652 b rotatably engages the second track656 b. In other embodiments, the drive assembly 630 is generally similarto the drive assembly 530 as described with respect to FIGS. 5A-E andincludes a drive sprocket (not illustrated) to operably engage the firsttrack 656 a and/or the second track 656 b. For example, the drivesprocket operably engages the first track 656 a, which in turn rotatablyengages the first wheel 652 a during operation. In turn, the first wheelrotatably engages the second wheel 652 b via the axle 654 and the secondtrack 656 b during operation.

FIG. 7A is a top front left isometric view, FIG. 7B is a front view,FIG. 7C is a side view, and FIG. 7D is a partial top left frontisometric view of a power-assisted ski track setter (“ski track setter700”) configured in accordance with another embodiment of the presenttechnology. Referring to FIGS. 7A-D together, the ski track setter 700includes a user control assembly 710, a drive assembly 730, and a trackcutter assembly 750. The user control assembly 710 can be generallysimilar to or the same as the user control assembly 200 as describedwith respect to FIGS. 1A-4B. The drive assembly 730 can be generallysimilar to or the same as the drive assembly 300 as described withrespect to FIG. 1A-4B or the drive assembly 530 as described withrespect to FIGS. 5A-E, except that the drive assembly 730 of the skitrack setter 700 includes a drive unit 731 mounted adjacent to the frontportion of the track cutter assembly 750. For purposes of illustration,a portion of a housing of the drive unit 731 in FIG. 7D is showntransparently. Although FIGS. 7A-D illustrate the drive assembly 730mounted laterally adjacent to the track cutter assembly 750, the driveassembly 730 can be mounted at any suitable position adjacent to thetrack cutter assembly 750. For example, the drive assembly 730 can bemounted above the track cutter assembly 750.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-D, the track cutter assembly 750 can be generallysimilar to the track cutter assemblies 400 and 550 as described withrespect to FIGS. 1A-4B and FIGS. 5A-E, respectively, except that thetrack cutter assembly 750 includes wheels 752 a, b and 754 a, b having adiameter smaller than that of the wheels 402 a, b, 404 a, b, 552 a, b,and 554 a, b of track cutter assemblies 400 and 550. For example, thediameter of the wheels 752 a, b and 754 a, b may be in the range of 3 to20 inches, or other suitable diameters. In one particular embodiment,for example, the diameter of the wheels 752 a, b and 754 a, b is 4inches. One expected advantage of the ski track setter 700 includingsmaller wheels is that the ski track setter 700 may be suitable forconditions with compact snow. In other embodiments, however, the wheels752 a, b and 754 a, b of the ski track setter 700 may have differentdiameters (e.g., less than 3 inches, greater than 20 inches).

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a power-assisted ski track settersystem (“system 800”) configured in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. The user inputs include a throttle controller 802, ahandlebar assembly 804, and a tension adjuster 806. The throttlecontroller 802 is in communication with an electronic speed controller808 by any suitable connection, such as a push-pull cable, electricalwire, or wireless signal. The electronic speed controller 808 is incommunication through an electrical wire to a battery 810. The battery810 may be optionally connected to a display 812 configured to displayinformation for the user, such as battery charge percentage. In someembodiments, the electronic speed controller 808 may be collocated witha motor 814. When the electronic speed controller 808 receives a signalfrom the throttle controller 802, the electronic speed controller 808supplies power to the motor 814 of a drive unit system, which transmitsrotational power through a drive gear 816 and accordingly to one or moredriven wheels 818 and one or more tracks 820 encircling the one or moredriven wheels 818. Although the battery 810 is shown in directelectrical communication with the motor 814, in other embodiments, theelectrical power from the battery 810 can travel first to the electronicspeed controller 808 and then to the motor 814 in electricalcommunication with the electronic speed controller 808. The drive unitsystem may include a charge port configured to receive electrical powerfrom, e.g., an external power source, such as an AC/DC power source 822,and supply electrical power to charge the battery 810. During operation,the user inputs a desired speed, torque, and/or power-assist level viathe throttle controller 802, which sends a signal to the speedcontroller 808. Based on the received signal, the electronic speedcontroller 808 controls an amount of voltage provided to the motor 814from the battery 810 to modulate speed, torque, or total power.Alternatively, the speed controller 808 directs power from the battery810 through the speed controller 808 and to the motor 814. The motor 814rotationally drives the drive gear 816, which meshes with the one ormore driven wheels 818 and/or the one or more tracks 820. In someembodiments, the throttle controller 802 can include a button that theuser can push down, and the user can stop the operation of the system800 by releasing the button.

CONCLUSION

The above Detailed Description of embodiments of the technology is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, thetechnology are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technologyas those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, any ofthe features of the ski track setters described herein may be combinedwith any of the features of the other ski track setters described hereinand vice versa. Moreover, although steps are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Thevarious embodiments described herein may also be combined to providefurther embodiments.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but well-known structures and functions associated with ski tracksetters have not been shown or described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of thetechnology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may alsoinclude the plural or singular term, respectively.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the examples, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” andthe like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. As used herein, the phrase“and/or” as in “A and/or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and A and B.Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean includingat least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the samefeature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. Itwill also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been describedherein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications maybe made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantagesassociated with some embodiments of the technology have been describedin the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibitsuch advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit suchadvantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, thedisclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments notexpressly shown or described herein.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A device, comprising: a frame; a handlebar assemblycoupled to the frame; one or more first wheels coupled to the frame; oneor more second wheels coupled to the frame; a first track engaged withthe one or more first wheels, the first track being configured to form afirst groove within a surface on which the device traverses; a secondtrack engaged with the one or more second wheels, the second track beingconfigured to form a second groove within the surface on which thedevice traverses; and a drive mechanism including a motor operablycoupled to at least one of the one or more first wheels or the one ormore second wheels.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the handlebarassembly is configured to adjust in length and angle relative to theframe.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein: the device is configured totravel in a first direction; and the first track and the second trackare spaced apart in a second direction that is substantially transverseto the first direction.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the firsttrack and the second track are spaced apart in the second direction by adistance between approximately 8 inches and approximately 14 inches. 25.The device of claim 21, wherein: the first track includes a first widthbetween approximately 2 inches and approximately 3 inches; and thesecond track includes a second width between approximately 2 inches andapproximately 3 inches.
 26. The device of claim 21, wherein the frame isone of: partially interposed between the one or more first wheels andthe one or more second wheels; or completely interposed between the oneor more first wheels and the one or more second wheels.
 27. The deviceof claim 21, wherein: the one or more first wheels comprise a firstwheel and a second wheel; the one or more second wheels comprise a thirdwheel and a fourth wheel; and the drive mechanism operably couples to atleast one of: the first wheel, the second wheel, the third wheel, or thefourth wheel.
 28. The device of claim 21, further comprising an axle,the axle operably coupling at least a first wheel of the one or morefirst wheels and at least a second wheel of the one or more secondwheels.
 29. A system, comprising: a frame; a track cutter comprising: afirst front wheel, a first rear wheel, a first track operably couplingthe first front wheel and the first rear wheel, the first track beingconfigured to form a first ski track in a surface on which the systemtraverses, a second front wheel, a second rear wheel, and a second trackoperably coupling the second front wheel and the second rear wheel, thesecond track being configured to form a second ski track in the surfaceon which the system traverses; a drive unit operably coupled to at leastone of: the first front wheel, the first rear wheel, the second frontwheel, or the second rear wheel; and a handlebar assembly coupled to theframe.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein: the drive unit is configuredto cause the system to move in a first direction; the first track andthe second track are spaced apart in a second direction that issubstantially transverse to the first direction; and the first track andthe second track are spaced apart, in the second direction, by adistance between approximately 8 inches and approximately 14 inches. 31.The system of claim 29, wherein: the first track includes a first widthbetween approximately 2 inches and approximately 3 inches; and thesecond track includes a second width between approximately 2 inches andapproximately 3 inches.
 32. The system of claim 29, wherein the driveunit comprises: at least one of an electric motor or aninternal-combustion engine; and one or more pulleys or one or more gearsoperably coupling the at least one of the electric motor or theinternal-combustion engine to the at least one of the first front wheel,the first rear wheel, the second front wheel, or the second rear wheel.33. The system of claim 29, wherein the handlebar assembly is configuredto adjust in at least one of length or angle relative to the frame. 34.The system of claim 29, wherein the handlebar assembly further includescomprising a throttle configured to adjust an output of the drive unit.35. A device, comprising: a frame; a handlebar assembly coupled to theframe; a track cutter configured to form a first ski track for a firstski and a second ski track for a second ski within a surface on whichthe device traverses, the track cutter comprising: a first front wheel,a first rear wheel, a first track operably coupling the first frontwheel and the first rear wheel, a second front wheel, a second rearwheel, and a second track operably coupling the second front wheel andthe second rear wheel, the second track being spaced apart from thefirst track by a distance for forming the first ski track and the secondski track; and a drive unit operably coupled to at least one of: thefirst front wheel, the first rear wheel, the second front wheel, or thesecond rear wheel.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the distance isbetween approximately 8 inches and approximately 14 inches.
 37. Thedevice of claim 35, wherein: the first track includes a first widthbetween approximately 2 inches and approximately 3 inches; and thesecond track includes a second width between approximately 2 inches andapproximately 3 inches.
 38. The device of claim 35, wherein thehandlebar assembly is configured to adjust in at least one of length orangle relative to the frame.
 39. The device of claim 35, wherein thedrive unit is at least one of: mounted vertically above the frame; ormounted laterally adjacent to the frame.
 40. The device of claim 35,further comprising at least one of: a first tensioner configured toadjust a first tension of the first track; or a second tensionerconfigured to adjust a second tension of the second track.